Dual use picture frame

ABSTRACT

A picture is provided that is capable of acting as a gift identifier, and later as a special occasion memento. The picture frame has a decorative body having a front side, a back side, and an annular recess, wherein at least said front side is shaped to evoke memories of a certain holiday, event, or other occasion. A window is located through said decorative body for viewing an inserted picture. A retaining block is attached to said back side, forming a slot, wherein photographs or other media can be inserted through said slot. A removable stake can be removably inserted into the annular recess for display of the frame. An attached magnet is provided to secure the frame in an alternative display environment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for retaining and displaying a photograph or message. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for displaying photographs or messages that is easily converted between differing uses and environments. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods and apparati for displaying photographs that have an interactive audio or visual component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Picture frames are well known in the art as a way of attractively displaying and retaining photographs, art works, poems, and other printed materials. Frames are often chosen for their decorative schemes, as well as being a convenient means of protecting the underlying media. Frames can be displayed by hanging them from walls, or other vertical surfaces, propping the frame with an integral or separate stand, as well as using many other methods.

Nevertheless, despite these well known features, there is room for improvements in the art. There remains a need for frames that can accommodate a variety of display orientations, and that may provide for recording, storage, and playback of additional types of audio or visual media to accompany the frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Applicant is aware of the following U.S. patents concerning methods and devices for the display and retention of photographs: U.S. PAT. NO. ISSUE DATE INVENTOR TITLE U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,125 B2 Nov. 16, 2004 Chatterjea PICTURE FRAME ASSEMBLY U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,545 B2 Feb. 3, 2004 Wohlleb PICTURE FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,127 B2 Oct. 21, 2003 Bauer PICTURE FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,913 B1 Sep. 30, 1003 Prade PICTURE- FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,638 B1 Jan. 28, 2003 Wang PICTURE FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,371 B2 Aug. 6, 2002 Olson et al. PICTURE FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,942 B1 Jul. 23, 2002 Galello PICTURE FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,828 B1 Sep. 4, 2001 Cecchetto PICTURE FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,811 B1 Apr. 10, 2001 Jones PICTURE FRAME U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,248 B1 Apr. 3, 2001 Reinhard PICTURE FRAME

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a decorative picture frame assembly, which includes a decorative body, and a photo retainer block (or insert retention block). The front of the decorative body preferably has a festive design, that commemorates a certain date, anniversary, holiday, or other event. A window is located through the middle of the decorative body, so that an inserted photograph can be viewed therethrough. The photo retainer block is attached to the rear of the decorative body. A slot is formed between the decorative body and the retainer block so that photos can be inserted therein. The slot, and the frame assembly can be of varying sizes to accommodate a variety of picture sizes.

The invention also comprises at least two attachment mechanisms so that the frame assembly can be utilized in a variety of circumstances. The frame assembly is provided with an annular recess that is capable of receiving a removable stake. The stake is provided to secure the frame assembly within a flower vase, a birthday cake, or other item where the frame assembly extends above or to the side of the item into which the stake is inserted. In this way, the picture frame can be used as a gift tag, or identifier of to whom or from whom the attached object is intended.

In addition to the stake, there is provided a magnet fixedly attached to the retainer block. After the frame assembly's initial use, the stake can be removed from the annular recess. The frame assembly can then be magnetically secured to an object, such as a refrigerator, to provide a keepsake memento of a special occasion or event.

Alternatively, in place of the magnet, one could use a loop made of wire, rope, plastic strand, or similar object to hang the picture frame, or a holding bracket or picture frame support may be provided to stand the picture frame on a horizontal surface.

Optionally, the frame can include an interactive media playback of a recorded message. The playback can be either audio and/or visual, and can be recorded on any acceptable means, digital, analogue, or other. The playback can be accessed either passively, such as through a motion sensor, or actively, by pressing a playback button. An audio speaker or optical viewing screen can be included for accessing the recorded media.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a stake mountable decorative picture frame, which can be inserted into flower arrangements, birthday cakes, and other items to commemorate an event, anniversary or other special occasion.

Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative picture frame that can be removably attached to a stake, wherein the picture frame is provided with a magnet, such that the framed picture can be utilized as a memento of the special occasion.

A further object of this invention is to provide a decorative picture frame that can be personalized by the recording of an audio or visual message which is stored on a media within the picture frame, and can be recalled and played back at a later time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects will become more readily apparent by referring to the following detailed description and the appended drawings in which:

FIGS. 1, 6, 9 and 12-14 are a front view of the invented picture frame.

FIGS. 2, 5, 8, 11 and 16 are a side view of the picture frame of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 10 and 15 are a rear view of the picture frame of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the invented picture frame is comprised of a decorative body having a festive design. The picture frame can have a design to commemorate a holiday, such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, or a special date or event, such as a birthday, anniversary, graduation, birth of a new baby, etc. FIG. 1 is shown with one such festive design (Valentine), although the invention is not limited to the depicted design. A window is located through the middle of the decorative body, so that an inserted photograph can be viewed there through. The edges of the window can be beveled.

A photo retainer block is attached to the rear of the picture frame. The retainer block is slightly larger than the window, and positioned behind the window. This forms a photo housing, where an inserted photograph can be retained between the retainer block and the decorative body. A slot between the retainer block and the body is located along at least one edge thereof, so as to provide access to the photo housing. Photographs, messages, and other memorabilia can then be inserted through the slot, for display through the window. A small piece of acrylic, or other transparent sheeting can be provided to be inserted with the photograph, so that the photograph is secured behind this protective cover.

A removable stake is inserted into a corresponding annular recess within the body. The stake provides support to the picture frame, and can be inserted into flower arrangements, birthday cakes, and other objects.

A magnet is attached to the retainer block. The magnet can secure the picture frame to a refrigerator or the like, upon removal of the stake.

Optionally, a voice chip or other device can be attached to the back side of the picture frame. The voice chip can provide playback of a previously recorded message, or is capable of recording a new message, that can be played back at a later time.

The message may be contained in read only memory, ROM, controlled by an entry-level microcomputer since there are no significant speed or computational demands, and is provided on a display. This may be an audio display or a video display. A control/display unit can convert the character stream into a picture element pattern on the display and cycle the display according to the display's technical requirements, typically every 20 milliseconds.

Digital sources of audio may be encoded into a system known in the art as MP-3 or the equivalent. Each megabyte will produce about 4 minutes of audio message when monaural, or 2 minutes of message if stereo.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In an alternative embodiment, a LCD or other type screen can be retained within the window of the picture frame, or in the frame body itself. The screen can provide playback of a previously recorded video message, and can be accompanied by a corresponding audio playback.

SUMMARY OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it is readily apparent that I have invented an improved decorative picture frame that can be initially used as a gift identifier, after which, the removable stake is discarded, and the picture frame serves as a memento of the special occasion.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and specific embodiments are merely illustrative of the best mode of the invention and the principles thereof, and that various modifications and additions may be made to the apparatus by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 

1. A picture frame that is capable of acting as a gift identifier, and later as a special occasion memento, said picture frame comprising: a decorative body having a front side, a back side, and an annular recess, wherein at least said front side is shaped to evoke memories of a certain holiday, event, or other occasion; a window located through said decorative body; a retaining block attached to said back side, such that a slot is formed between said backside and said retaining block, wherein photographs or other media can be inserted through said slot; a removable stake that is capable of reception and retention by said annular recess; and a magnet fixedly attached to said retaining block.
 2. A method for displaying a photograph, said method comprising inserting a photograph into a picture frame that is capable of acting as a gift identifier, and later as a special occasion memento, said picture frame comprising: a decorative body having a front side, a back side, and an annular recess, wherein at least said front side is shaped to evoke memories of a certain holiday, event, or other occasion; a window located through said decorative body; a retaining block attached to said back side, such that a slot is formed between said backside and said retaining block, wherein photographs or other media can be inserted through said slot; a removable stake that is capable of reception and retention by said annular recess; and a magnet fixedly attached to said retaining block. 